public loss. This event took place A. D. 901, after a truly illustrious reign of thirty years, and in the fifty-third year of his age.

Saxon Chron. H. Hunt. Dunelm. (Asser. in vit. Alt.)

REFLECTIONS.

The reign of Egbert distinctly teaches the vanity of human wishes, and the fallacy of human expectations. It had manifestly been the favourite object of this enterprising sovereign, from his accession to the throne of his ancestors, to consolidate all the states of the Heptarchy into one kingdom; and it is more than probable, that he cherished a fond expectation, that when this project was realized, he should be satisfied and at rest. But so far was he from spending his latter days in tranquillity, that his elevation but rendered him a broader mark for adversity. A new and unexpected train of calamities befel him, at the very moment in which he had fondly hoped to reap the fruits of victory, which imbittered all his remaining existence. Thus visionary are the expectations of peace and satisfaction, which the votaries of pride and sensuality, of ambition, or avarice, are wont to indulge. They fix an imaginary standard which they are solicitous to attain: but, having attained it, are they happy? Do they find rest to their souls, when this summit of their hopes is gained? do they not find themselves still as far as ever from satisfaction? do they not perceive that some new source of anxiety arises, some new wants are created, or some new dangers to be encountered, which place their happiness at as remote a distance as before?

In the sanguinary struggle between the Anglo-Saxons and Danes, which lasted from the reign of Egbert to the Norman conquest, the retributive hand of divine Providence may be discerned. The part which the Saxons had formerly acted towards the Britons, is precisely that

which the Danes now acted towards them. As in former ages, they had plundered, massacred and dispossessed the aboriginal inhabitants; so now, in their turn, they were themselves ravaged and slaughtered by those from whom, as descended from the same family, they might have expected to receive protection. It is thus that the equity of the divine government, is sometimes made to appear even in the present life; thus are the wicked made the instruments of scourging and destroying each other.

The love of peace is so rare a quality among the princes of the earth, that we cannot but hail it wherever it is seen, and from whatever cause it may proceed. It must be admitted, that Ethelwulph makes but a despicable figure on the page of history, notwithstanding the flattering representations of his partial biographers, while basely crouching before the Roman pontiff, and lavishing the treasures of his kingdom on a corrupt hierarchy. Yet even this conduct, though contemptible, was far less culpable than the profligate waste of human life, occasioned by the triumphal march of the conqueror, whose reputation rests alone on the desolations he has made in the earth.

Of all the characters of antiquity, perhaps there is none, the events of whose life convey more moral instruction than those of ALFRED THE GREAT. Whether viewed in adversity or in prosperity-whether contemplated as a private or as a public character-whether regarded as a statesmen, scholar, or a Christian-he is a model worthy of imitation. In adversity, who can forbear to admire the patient endurance, the unshaken fortitude, the pious resignation with which he sustained the heaviest calamities? And, when restored by the special providence of God, he was not unmindful of the valuable lessons he had received, or of the vows he had made in the day of sorrow. Far from ascribing to himself the signal success with which his arms were crowned, he gratefully acknowledged the protecting hand of God. Amidst all the pressure of public affairs, he continued to dedicate a third part of his time to the Author of his being. It were well if men of business, who are wont to plead the variety and urgency of their engage

ments, as an excuse for the neglect of private, domestic, or public devotions, were to study attentively this interesting part of the character of our illustrious Alfred. They would perceive that it is possible, by a rigid economy of time, and an inflexible adherence to method, to make the most distinguished attainments in literature, to prosecute works of magnitude and public utility, and even to guide the machine of government; and yet to reserve a considerable portion of every day for the duties of selfexamination and devotion. Nor is it difficult thus to afford a practical illustration of the apostolical precept, "not slothful in business; fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;" if we are solicitous, like him, to gather up the fragments of time, so that nothing be lost.

The wisdom of Alfred's institutions not only appeared in the revival and prosperity of his empire, and the security and happiness of his subjects; but each succeeding age has afforded additional evidence of their value. Thus it is that a wise and good man, whether occupying a humbler or a more elevated station, lives not for himself alone, but also for posterity: he becomes the benefactor of distant generations. "The memory of the just is blessed.”

ESSAY IV.

The Anglo-Saxon Monarchy continued, from the Death of ALFRED, to that of EDWI.

A. D. 901-A. D. 959.

THE memory of Alfred was so deservedly dear to his English subjects, that they felt no disposition to resist the claim of his son EDWARD, (surnamed the elder,) to succeed him. But Ethelwald, son of Ethelbert, Alfred's elder brother, disputed that claim, and resolved to assert his supposed right to the sovereignty by an appeal to the

sword. Despairing of support from the English, he stirred up the Danes, who had settled in Northumberland and East Anglia, and formed the chief population of those provinces, to revolt in his favour. They had borne the Saxon yoke with great impatience during Alfred's reign, and now were not backward to embrace so favourable an opportunity of shaking it off, and asserting their independence. With this ultimate object in view, they were willing to assist Ethelwald in his efforts to ascend the English throne. By their assistance, and that of some troops obtained from the continent, Ethelwald at first made rapid progress; Mercia was occupied, and Wessex invaded by his partisans. But Edward, whose military talents were not inferior to those of his illustrious father, though in other respects he was far inferior, soon terminated the contest by a decisive battle, in which his rival was slain, and his most zealous followers were taken prisoners. After this victory, Edward quickly reduced the rebellious provinces, stationed garrisons in their principal cities, and imposed a heavy tribute. Having tranquillized his own dominions by these vigorous measures, he next resolved to chastise the Welch Britons, who had assisted the Danes in the late revolt. In this war, which proved arduous, but finally successful, he was materially aided by the talents and personal bravery of his sister Elfleda, a heroine of great renown, who fought many battles, and obtained many signal victories. Scorning the occupations of domestic life, she aspired to nothing less than the command of armies, and the administration of conquered provinces. This lady had been married to Ethered, earl of Mercia, to whom the government of that extensive vice-royalty was confided both by Alfred and Edward; nor did he prove himself unworthy of the trust. After his death, Elfleda continued to govern it with great celebrity, but when her political career was finished, that tributary principality was annexed to the crown. The whole reign of Edward was so filled up with wars, carried on against the Danes, Cambrians, and Welch Britons, as to leave little leisure for any other pursuit. It may, however, be presumed, that he had imbibed so much of his father's spirit, as to patronise learning and promote educa

tion among his subjects: for it is generally admitted that the university of Cambridge was founded by this prince, as that of Oxford had been by Alfred. Edward terminated what would be deemed by many a glorious reign of twenty-four years, A. D. 925.

He was succeeded by ATHELSTAN, who is generally believed to have been an illegitimate son of Edward, by Egwina, a peasant's daughter; but who notwithstanding the dishonour of his birth, proved himself worthy to wear a crown. The ignominy had been in a great measure effaced previously to his accession, by the distinction with which he had been treated by his grandfather Alfred, from whom he had received the honour of knighthood, and to whom he was indebted for the advantages of a liberal education. The English were therefore disposed to consider him as the adopted son of their favourite monarch. In the commencement of his reign, the Northumbrian Danes attempted, as usual, to shake off the Saxon yoke. With the hope of conciliating this restless people, Athelstan consented that Sithric, a Danish prince of great celebrity, should bear the title of king of Northumberland, and receive his daughter in marriage. But this arrangement, which promised to yield so much satisfaction to all parties, was soon dissolved by the death of Sithric, and the revolt of the two sons of that chief, Anlaff and Guthfert. These high-spirited youths, having formed an alliance with Constantine, king of Scotland, prevailed upon that sovereign to invade England with a large army, composed of troops collected from almost every part of Europe. Athelstan was not backward to met this formidable force. A tremendous engagement took place at Brumanburg, A. D. 938, in which Constantine and five other tributary kings were killed, together with the flower of the Scottish nobility. The carnage was so great on both sides, that the historians of that day usually designate this by the name of "the great battle," on account of the torrent of blood which flowed on that fatal day. After this victory, Athelstan met with no adversary capable of opposing any permanent resistance to his authority; his alliance was sought by the most powerful foreign princes; and the